United States To Make Voluntary Contribution to UN Nonproliferation Efforts

March 31, 2011

For Immediate Release

MEDIA NOTE

The United States To Make Voluntary Contribution to United Nations Nonproliferation Efforts

Today, the United States announced its planned voluntary contribution to UN nonproliferation efforts pursuant to UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1540. The United States plans to contribute $3 million to the UN Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament later this year.

Ensuring effective implementation of the resolution is an important objective for U.S. nonproliferation policy. The Administration supports universal implementation of UNSCR 1540, an important international standard for all UN Member states that obligates them to establish effective controls against weapons of mass destruction and the means to produce and deliver them. It is also a key component of international efforts to prevent terrorists and other non-state actors from acquiring these dangerous weapons and materials.

The UN Security Council recognized that implementing the resolution will require a significant amount of effort and dedicated resources, and invited UN Member States and other organizations to offer assistance. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) manages the existing trust fund in partnership with the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540.

Our planned contribution will help the Committee to fulfill its role in matching those states that need assistance to implement the resolution with those states able to provide such assistance. These funds will also be used to support UN Member States in fulfilling their obligations under the resolution, including for developing legislation to control WMD-related materials, and for UN-administered training programs related to implementation.

The United States will continue to consult frequently through the U.S. Coordinator for Implementation of UNSCR 1540 with UNODA to further projects that support this important work.